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Quicksilver: Setup & Troubleshooting

[n.b.: this post has been updated to reflect the release of version B32r2. --2004-11-06 15:35 PST]

Since there's new folks moving to Quicksilver all the time, I thought I'd post some more starter tips if you're following along here. If you have questions about stuff not working as described, doublecheck your setup and the tips below.

  • Read the Quickstart Guide
  • Always use the latest version of Quicksilver, available here
  • Read Dan Dickinson's really great tutorial on setting up and orienting yourself with Quicksilver.
    • This is the post that got me to try Quicksilver, and it's excellent.
    • Note that some of the items discussed in the tutorial (including some Appearance prefs) have moved around in recent releases
    • Update 2005-02-23 07:11:33 - Dan also has created an excellent intermediate tutorial I can highly recommend.
  • Get comfortable with all your options in the Prefrences box.
    • As of v. B32r2, most of the configuration options (including catalogs and triggers) have been consolidated into the tabbed Preferences box
    • To get to Preferences:
      1. Invoke Quicksilver (Control-Spacebar, by default)
      2. Type Command-, (that's a comma)
  • To use many of the tips metioned on 43 Folders, you need to run in "Beta mode"
    • While slightly more adventurous than "Stable" mode, Beta shouldn't give you much worse problems than an occasional crash. YMMV.
    • Beta mode can be enabled under "Preferences > Application > Feature Mode" where you select "Enable Advanced Features > Beta"
  • Load up on plug-ins, which are all here
    • Quicksilver's main application provides a core of basic functionality; the plug-ins are the sexy bits that let you integrate with other applications and services
    • Browse the list for any apps or services that you use, and install any others that look interesting to you
    • If you're running in Beta mode, note that extra plug-ins may be available (but are filtered out of the standard plug-in page).
      1. Go to "Preferences > Plug-ins"
      2. Click the little gear menu
      3. Select "Download More Plug-ins"
        • This will take you to the plug-ins web page, with extra, beta-compatible plug-ins revealed
      4. Install or download the plug-ins you want
    • Important: If something is not working the way it's described in a post, chances are good you're missing a necessary plug-in
  • Make sure you've set up and enabled the right Catalogs for what you want to do
    • View and add to Catalogs by going to "Preferences > Catalog"
  • For more on getting started or to learn more about Quicksilver, check out other resources:
Kevin Ballard's picture

The plugins page you listed...

The plugins page you listed is for the normal feature level. Plugins can be restricted to feature levels, and there's probably a couple in the beta level. For beta-level plugins, make sure you're in the beta mode, go to the plugins pane in preferences, click the action popup button and select "Download More Plug-Ins'. That will take you to the page for your appropriate feature level.

Oh, and there's a bunch of friendly helper elves on . And if you don't have an IRC client I strongly recommend Colloquy (http://colloquy.info)

 
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